Leinster bolster front-row options as ‘long admired’ international signs
Rabah Slimani playing for France in 2019.
Leinster have confirmed the signing of hugely experienced former France international tighthead prop Rabah Slimani, who replaces the outgoing Michael Alaalatoa.
Slimani is a stalwart of the Top 14 having played close to 300 matches in the French competition, running out 187 times for Stade Francais and 106 times for Clermont.
The 34-year-old front-row had long been rumoured to have signed for Leinster and on Monday it was finally confirmed by the United Rugby Championship (URC) side.
New arrival
57-times capped Slimani will arrive for the start of the club’s pre-season training programme next week in UCD, with head coach Leo Cullen “delighted” with the move.
“We are delighted that Rabah has decided to join us at Leinster Rugby. He is a player we have long admired with vast experience at the highest level of Top 14, European and international rugby,” he told Leinster Rugby.
“We believe he will be a great addition to the group, not only providing competition for the first team but also helping some of our young front-row players learn and develop.
“I am sure all Leinster supporters will join me in welcoming Rabah and his family when they get the opportunity.”
Slimani made his France debut in 2013 against the All Blacks and was a mainstay in the Les Bleus line-up for a long period, facing off with Ireland on several occasions.
He is looking forward to his upcoming switch to the URC outfit and can’t wait to get started and experience a new life in Dublin, saying it is an “incredible opportunity”.
“I’d like to thank Leo and Leinster Rugby for the opportunity to come and join a club with a massive history and a proven record of competing at the very top end of URC and European rugby,” he said.
“I am very excited to also experience a new country and a new city to live and to play my rugby and it is one that my family and I are looking forward to.
“We have loved our time in France and in the Top 14 but this is an incredible opportunity to come and join one of the great European clubs and to hopefully help the club achieve what they want to achieve on and off the field.”